title: A neuroendocrine view of ECT.
abstract: "A neuroendocrine hypothesis to explain the clinical activity of convulsive therapy is described. The hypothesis is based on the diabetes/insulin model and suggests that hypothalamic dysfunction with an insufficiency of a mood-maintaining peptide is the basis for affective disorders. Repeated seizures enhance the production and release of the hypothalamic peptide antidepressin - the active principle that relieves both neuroendocrine and behavioral abnormalities.
authors.affiliation: Department of Mental Health, Queen's University of Belfast.
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Cooper
authors.forename: A I
authors.initials: AI
authors.lastname: Scott
authors.forename: L J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Whalley
mesh_terms: D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001921:Brain / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy; D005071:Evoked Potentials / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D009479:Neuropeptides / Q000502:physiology*; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology
chemical_list: D009479:Neuropeptides